Town Square

Sandra Cantu--It Should Be Called Torture, Not Sex

Original post made
by Kendra, Another Pleasanton neighborhood,
on Apr 14, 2009

I saw a headline today that read 'Sex Charges...' in relation to the Sandra Cantu case. It really bugs me when child torture is called 'sex' by the media. Just because a child's genitals are part of the torture an adult inflicts on a child doesn't make it a 'sex' act. Does anybody consider child molestation 'sex'? Seriously? The same act two consensual adults engage in is called the same thing as an adult torturing a child? A molested child hasn't had 'sex', they've been tortured, physically and psychologically.

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Posted by Cholo
a resident of Bonde Ranch
on Apr 14, 2009 at 4:32 pm

Well done Kendra.

It's my impression that most Americans accept the torture of children. It happens daily and not surprisingly, clergy of ALL FAITHS are frequently the perps. SAD...

Posted by Marine Mom
a resident of Livermore
on Apr 14, 2009 at 4:40 pm

"It's my impression that most Americans accept the torture of children" Where did that one come from Cholo? If that is your impression I believe you are gravely mistaken.

Thank you for your insights Kendra, it has nothing to do with sex and you are right that it is nothing less of torture and a heinous crime. The guily party/parties should be put away forever so they can never harm again.

Posted by Kendra
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 14, 2009 at 7:37 pm

The word 'sex' has positive connotations for many of us. So the term 'sex crime' doesn't sound so bad, I mean, it's sex, so how bad can it be? That thinking might be responsible for the very light sentences given to most rapists, if they do time in prison at all.

Posted by Michelle
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 15, 2009 at 10:35 am

I have to say, when I hear "sex" and "child" related, I take great offense to that & it makes the crime that much more disgusting. Toture could mean just about anything, but if "sex" is involved, it's very lewd & makes it the act that much worse. I'd rather see what it really is, than see "torture", because like I said, that could be a whole range of things. Regardless of how its worded, this woman needs to pay for what she's done. Not only to the Cantu family, but her own daughter is going to suffer for her actions for the rest of her life.

This is very sad. I could not imagine someone touching my children & harming them in any way.

Posted by Kendra
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Apr 15, 2009 at 1:17 pm

I see your point, but ask victims of molestation--Do you feel that the crime could be categorized as 'sex' in some way?
I think it's accurate to use the word 'rape'. But 'sex crime' just sound salacious and unfair to the victim.
I don't think you'll find a victim who would say, "I was the victim of a sex crime."
Some people are titillated by the words 'sex crime'. Do we really need to propagate that?

Sexual violence against children and vulnerable adults is horrific. Survivor's and their loved ones must learn to cope with the resultant problems their entire lives.

I don't care about the gender or the sexual orientation of the perp and her/his enablers. In my opinion, the enablers are also guilty and must be held accountable. I prefer the use of the word "RAPE" as a descriptor.

The numbers re: children/adults who are reported as raped annually in the US represent only a small number of the actual rapes. Tens of thousands of rapes of children/adults remain unreported.

Re: Sandra Cantu, it may be that it will be discovered that others were involved. It will take time for this case to infold. RIP Sandra. You will not be forgotten.

The murder of this young girl is very, very sad. I had hopes she would be found alive and well. I have a granddaughter her age and can't imagine something like this happening to her. I'm afraid my granddaughter has a Grandpa(me)that's just crazy enough to attempt to take justice into his own hands. As far as I'm concerned, even if the person is found to be mentally imbalanced, there's no such thing as "rehabilitation" for someone that would perpetrate a vile, horrendous act such as this...

I read in the Valley Times, or heard on the radio, that Barbara Boxer and Jerry Brown will attend, and speak, at this young girl's memorial service...

Why do you think politicians show up at high profile memorials such as this?? How many times do they show up in these communities other than for memorials that they know will draw a large number of people...

The memorial for the murdered Oakland Police Officers attracted every politician for miles around...

Posted by AVHS Dad
a resident of Stoneridge Park
on Apr 16, 2009 at 3:53 pmAVHS Dad is a registered user.

Why is it when a older woman has "sex" with an underage boy the press usually calls them "lovers" rather than "child molester" and "victim"?

This case, however, goes well beyond what we normally hear about, beyond the worst nightmares of most parents. All indications are that the accused acted alone. I for one would be happy to pull the trigger, push the button, pull the lever, hold the rope...

There will probably be a plea bargain though for life in prison. Hopefully the general population will take care of her there.